Stereoacuity after photorefractive keratectomy in myopia

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Vision Science

Background:

• Stereopsis, a key component of visual function, involves interpreting binocular disparity.
• Myopia correction aims to improve visual acuity and refractive error.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate changes in stereoscopic vision following photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in individuals with myopia.
• To compare pre- and post-operative stereoscopic function after myopia correction surgery.

Main Methods:

• A prospective interventional case series included 48 myopic patients (18-34 years) undergoing PRK.
• Stereoscopic vision was assessed using TNO test charts at 40 cm preoperatively and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively.

Main Results:

• PRK significantly improved uncorrected visual acuity and corrected refractive error.
• Preoperative stereoacuity was 246.56 ± 98.43 arc seconds.
• Postoperative stereoacuity showed statistically significant differences, recorded at 365.38 ± 112.65 and 343.51 ± 88.96 arc seconds at 3 and 6 months, respectively (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• PRK is effective and safe for correcting refractive errors and improving uncorrected visual acuity.
• PRK may lead to a deterioration of stereoscopic vision, potentially due to increased higher-order aberrations.